Lifestyle, Healthy Eating, Menu Planning

Perfect Picnic Food Ideas with mastro

Arpie Mikayelyan
9 July 2025

The Season of Picky Bits Is Here

Picnic season is officially here. Whether you’re heading to the park, planning a beach day, or just soaking up the sun in your own backyard, there’s nothing quite like sharing good food in the great outdoors.

And with mastro by your side, building the perfect picnic is easier (and tastier) than ever. Let’s explore the best picnic food ideas, with a few easy-to-make recipes to bring along.

Picnic Mains You Can’t Go Wrong With

You can always rely on the classics: a crunchy baguette, houmous, some good cheese, fresh salad, and a few deli meats.
But if you want to add something a little special, try this quick, picnic-perfect sandwich.

Mediterranean Ciabatta Sandwich (5 min)

You’ll need:

  • Ciabatta bread
  • Mozzarella slices
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Fresh basil
  • Olive oil & balsamic vinegar

How to make:
Slice the ciabatta, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic, layer mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, and press together. Wrap tightly. Done. Fresh, simple, and travels well.

Picnic Food Kids Will Love

Keep little hands busy with build-your-own snack plates: cut-up veggies, cheese cubes, crackers, and small sandwiches. Let them pick and mix.

Mini Pesto Pinwheels (10 min)

You’ll need:

  • Puff pastry sheet
  • Pesto
  • Grated cheese
  • Ham slices (optional)

How to make:
Spread pesto on the pastry, sprinkle cheese and ham, roll up and slice into pinwheels. Bake at 180°C for 10–12 minutes until golden. Perfect warm or cold.

Fresh and Flavourful Picnic Salads

Picnics aren’t complete without something fresh and colourful.

Antipasti Pasta Salad (10 min)

You’ll need:

  • Cooked pasta
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Olives
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Mozzarella balls
  • Olive oil, lemon, salt, pepper

How to make:
Toss everything together and let it sit for 10 minutes so the flavours come alive. Easy to prep, easy to pack.

Snackable Sides & Dips

Pick up your favourite crisps, breadsticks, and crunchy veggies. Pair them with ready-to-eat dips or make your own in minutes.

Quick Pea & Avocado Dip (5 min)

You’ll need:

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 cup cooked peas
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt & pepper

How to make:
Blend everything until smooth. Fresh, zesty, and perfect for dunking cucumbers, carrots, and crackers.

Sweet Picnic Treats

Picnics need a sweet ending. Go for easy fruit, mini desserts, or small treats that travel well.
Grab watermelon slices, berries, or throw in a few mastro snack boxes with sweet options like energy bites or dried fruit.

Tip: Freeze a few grapes the night before—they make a refreshing snack and help keep your cool bag chilled.

Quick Tips for Packing Your Picnic

  • Always pack an ice pack or two to keep things fresh.
  • Dress salads on the spot to avoid soggy leaves.
  • Bring plenty of napkins, rubbish bags, and cutlery.
  • Freeze your water bottles—they double as ice packs.
  • Don’t forget a cozy blanket and your favourite playlist.

Final Thought

Picnics aren’t about perfection. They’re about sitting back, grazing, laughing, and enjoying good food in good company. With mastro, you can pack a little magic into every picnic—easy, delicious, and always a little bit special.